My first son is expected to be born during the
9th week of 1999. I live in a remote area of Tennessee and we
do not have a synagogue nearby. We are making plans to have him
circumcised by a doctor. Can you please give me specific instructions
so that all is done properly? Shalom

Dear Mark,

First of all, may Hashem bless you with much joy
and happiness! Circumcision is, as you know, an extremely central
milestone in the life of a Jew. Aside from the fact that it is
a commandment (the first given to a Jew!) it is also the entry
of the child into the covenant of Abraham and into the covenant
between G-d and the Jewish people. There are many legal and medical
requirements in Jewish law for a correct circumcision, and it
would be impossible to explain them all over the email. I suggest
you contact Rabbi Nutta Greenblatt (see below). Rabbi Greenblatt
has years of experience as a mohel (circumciser), and he
travels all over Tennessee to perform circumcisions. If you have
trouble contacting him, then contact Mr. Bart Ehrenkranz of the
Jewish Renaissance Center whom I spoke with today on the phone.
He said he would be happy to help you with the arrangements.

(We supplied Mark with phone numbers and addresses.
If anyone is in a similar situation, please contact us.)